Bruce Leonard – Religious Cults Info ~ Resources, Answers and Hope

Survivor of WOLCC Speaks Out as Defendants are Sentenced

Admin — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 15:06:14 +0000

A few days ago, I received an email from Kristel Leonard. She is a former longtime member of Word of Life Christian Church (WOLCC) in Chadwicks, New York. Her message to me offered to answer questions about her brothers, Lucas and Christopher Leonard. I immediately became interested in her perspective and story. Recently, she publically began speaking out about the damaging effects of mind control. Today’s post is about Monday’s sentencing hearing. In a future post we will hear from Kristel as she recalls her time inside WOLCC and her exit from the group.

As a review:

On Sunday, October 11, 2015; Lucas and his younger brother, Christopher, were called into a “counseling session” by the leader of WOLCC church. Pastor Tiffanie Irwin arranged the meeting which stretched into the wee hours of the next morning. From what authorities learned later, the two teens confessed to sins never committed in an effort to be expelled from the group that after many years they wanted to leave. Investigations revealed these feigned confessions resulted in an untethered rage and anger fueling physical violence ending in the death of Lucas and severe injury to Christopher. Authorities also believe that statements from leader and Pastor Tiffanie Irwin being in contact with her brother who was participating; added to the intensity from which she bore culpability for the outcome.

The deadly physical assault included hitting with fists, kicking and striking with an electrical cord. The deceased was repeatedly struck in or near the groin and bled out from those injuries. Christopher Leonard suffered several injuries including blows to the lower back which required hospitalization and supervised medical care for several days.

Nine members of the small church were indicted in late 2015 and through court proceedings all were either found guilty or took plea agreements. Six defendants agreed to an Alford plea agreement. This arrangement does not require the defendant to admit guilt. These agreements included charges ranging from unlawful imprisonment, gang assault, first and second degree assault and first, second and third degree manslaughter.

This past Monday, the parents were the final defendants sentenced in this case. The District Attorney, Scott McNamara, had explained in earlier statements that he was asking the judge to reduce the sentence of Bruce Leonard from the original agreed upon 15-16 years. Public bewilderment over this move has been intense. However, McNamara believed his requests to be justified.

Early in the proceedings, the mother, Mrs. Deborah Leonard, took a plea deal for her testimony in the case. During sentencing this past Monday, she labeled her representation as a “hack job” and chided Kristel for never accepting her as a step-mother and only speaking now for personal gain. Even though she apologized for her part in the counseling session, clearly she has not fully resolved her part in the events from October 2015. She received five years in state prison.

From our resource article:

Deborah Leonard … expressed her extreme sorrow over what occurred, and transitioned into allegations that the prosecution had broken promises she said were made as part of her plea deal, and decrying how her attorney handled her case.

(Her claim pertaining to broken promises accused the District Attorney of not following through on a pledge to let her see Christopher if she took the plea. This claim McNamara completely denies.)

She also took a moment to apologize to her “church family,” a group that included all of her co-defendants. (children and grandchildren were included in the admission.)

“I apologize for bringing all of you into this,” she said while weeping. “I love you all very much and ask for your forgiveness. Again, I want to apologize to my boys (Christopher and Lucas) for not recognizing the warning signs and not getting help and for the environment you were raised in. You deserve much better.” (She did not address whether she believed any of the false accusations during the session.)

Kristel remembers Deborah’s open chastisement of her husband during this recitation. “Bruce, we should have done better.”

During Judge Dwyer’s remarks to Deborah, he expressed his confusion as to her apology for the events and yet not knowing when “the brainwashing took over.” He admonished her to continue to search for answers within herself.

The father of the teens, Bruce Leonard, took a plea early in the proceedings as mentioned. During his plea hearing, his testimony was heart wrenching as he wept on the stand. He endured McNamara’s questioning him, “Why?”

In Monday’s proceedings, Pastor Richard Dibble, having visited the defendant many times over the last few months, spoke on his behalf vouching for his character saying he was “not a hardened criminal…The actions of that one night are not consistent with the life of this man…”

A previous employer, who also was his brother-in-law, Timothy Wright spoke to his relationship and observations of Mr. Leonard. He observed Bruce as a “follower” and Leonard tried to make sense of the accusations against his sons during the fury of the counseling session. “…waiting for someone else to call a stop to what was happening.”

Kristel Leonard spoke next on her father’s behalf. After she addressed the judge, (you are) “fair and impartial. You have diligently sought the facts in this case, carefully considered each decision you’ve made, and not allowed the highly emotional drama of this tragedy to influence your rulings. For this I will be ever grateful.”

Kristel fondly recalled memories from childhood learning life lessons from her father. She recounted her father’s admission that other’s admonished him, “Bruce, you’re too nice.” She described her father as smart and intelligent but, “stubborn and indecisive.” Kristel went on to say these qualities were overridden by the control of the Pastor and noted the cord used as a weapon was “put in his hand” and the following behaviors demanded of him.

Kristel also reminded those in attendance that during the counseling session, her father had declared, “We have to stop.”

Judge Michael Dwyer then addressed Mr. Leonard inquiring if he indeed had changed since the events of October 2015. Bruce Leonard affirmed he had changed and in no way would repeat the decisions of that fateful night.

All of the testimony and the judge’s questions answered by Mr. Leonard resulted in Judge Dwyer reducing the 15 year sentence to 10 years. The outcome seemed fair considering the catalyst for the deadly session; Pastor Tiffanie Irwin received 12 years.

Tiffanie Irwin, pastor and organizer of the deadly events, plead to third-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault. During her recent sentencing hearing, she attempted to label the plea deal as coerced and a violation of her rights. However, the judge told her she could have stopped the session at any minute. Her attorney is seeking an appeal of the sentence.

The half-sister, Sarah Ferguson, took her chances with a bench trial. She was convicted of first degree manslaughter, first degree assault and gang assault and was sentenced to 25 years in state prison. The most dramatic scene in her trial was the District Attorney holding up the pants of the deceased showing a large blood stain between the legs. Even when faced with this stark display, she tried to convince the judge she did not realize the injuries were life threatening. He did not believe her. Authorities believe Sarah struck the fatal blows resulting in the death of Lucas. During the proceedings, she initially refused to look at pictures of the victim. Later during the sentencing, she was forced to look at the pictures of the injuries.

In October 2016, Traci Irwin, who is 50, and son, Daniel Irwin, 25, mother and brother to the pastor, Tiffanie Irwin, plead to unlawful imprisonment. Authorities could not prove either of these actually touched the victims. They each received two years in prison.

Joseph Irwin, her 23-year-old brother, pleaded to first-degree gang assault and second-degree assault. He received eight years in prison.

David, 27, and Linda Morey, 55, long time members, both pleaded to two counts of second-degree assault, and received five years in prison each.

In a future post, we will hear from Kristel Leonard as she recounts her involvement in WOLCC and the events surrounding her exit after 25 years… We will include more from her victim impact statements. As I listened to her story, the similarities between the two groups, WOLCC and WOFF were overwhelming.

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Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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Word of Life Defendants Plead to Avoid Trial

Admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 18:31:20 +0000

The death of a teen in a small town in New York a little over a year ago shocked the country. Those who read about it were confused how a teenager died during a church “counseling” session. One young man died, his brother was hospitalized with severe injuries. The local residents protested and held candlelight vigils. The stories of strange observations by neighbors; the reports of those who once were a part of the Word of Life Christian Church all pointed to dangerous and unsafe behaviors.

Lucas Leonard and his brother Christopher were held after church Sunday, October 11, 2015. The counseling session for them lasted about 14 hours. From this session, Lucas died of injuries inflicted with an electric cord along with receiving kicks and punches from those surrounding him. Christopher was found the next day by authorities in dire need of medical care with multiple bruises and kidney injuries. He spent several days in the local hospital under legal protection while the authorities sought to make sense of the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death.

The results of the investigation included indictments for nine members of the small church. Those indicted included the parents of the deceased, the half-sister, the pastor, her mom, her brothers and two additional members. Charges included murder, kidnapping and gang assault. Early in the proceedings, the mother, Mrs. Deborah Leonard, took a plea deal for her testimony in the case. She will receive no more than five years in state prison.

The father of the teens, Bruce Leonard, was the next to take a plea. His testimony was heart wrenching. He will receive 15 or 16 years in prison and have many years to consider the nagging question from District Attorney McNamara- “Why?”

The half-sister, Sarah Ferguson, chose to take her chances with a bench trial. We reported her plight earlier on this blog. She was convicted of first degree manslaughter, first degree assault and gang assault. She will serve 25 years in state prison. The most dramatic scene in her trial was the District Attorney holding up the pants of the deceased showing a large blood stain between the legs. She tried to convince the judge she did not realize the injuries were life threatening, he did not believe her.

October 21, 2016, news outlets reported the conclusion of the case as the last four defendants accepted plea deals presumably to avoid a murder trial and the requirement to explain their part in session. The list of results found here. A summary follows.

During October, Traci Irwin, who is 50, and son, Daniel Irwin, 25, mother and brother to the pastor, Tiffani Irwin, plead guilty to unlawful imprisonment. They will receive two years in prison.

Tiffani Irwin, pastor and presumed leader of the session, plead guilty to third-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault. She will receive a 12 sentence under the agreement.

Joseph Irwin, her 23-year-old brother, pleaded guilty to first-degree gang assault and second-degree assault. He is to receive eight years in prison.

David, 27, and Linda Morey, 55, long time members, both pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree assault, and will get five years in prison each.

Let’s consider certain things in this case. The defendants chose to admit guilt of serious crimes instead of defending their “religious freedoms” to pray, to exercise their religious practices and stand up for their rights! What could have kept them from risking their future and going to trial? Who knows, but it could have been to swift and precise nature of the investigation and prosecution of the case. They could have learned a lot after the guilty verdict for Sarah Ferguson.

Look at the charges that several defendants agreed to. Five agreed to admit guilt for charges other than murder or manslaughter. That was a “safe” alternative for them and under counsel from their attorney. Accept jail time rather than risk a longer or worse sentence.

Can we in North Carolina learn anything from these happenings? Does the gang assault charge apply to any cases involving Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) victims? We don’t know, yet. In my opinion, this charge and several others would be appropriate. In fairness, the tragedy in New York was more obvious for successful prosecution, there was a body. Hopefully, we in NC will not have to wait for a body to get swift, fair and accurate investigation charges involving crimes against ex-WOFF members.

Honestly, I continue to hold hope for Matthew Fenner to receive his day in court. Obviously, this case has been drawn out longer than expected. Will 2017 be the year when he will see the scale of justice weighing his case? Will other WOFF survivors face their fears and come forward? We shall see. When more survivors seek justice, it will get easier for others to go to the authorities for help. For many reasons, several not connected to the present public servants; the trust in our local legal system has been damaged. 2017 is the year our trust can return. That hope can keep us focused on seeking truth and helping those who need our help.

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Bruce Leonard Pleads Guilty to Assault in Death of His Son… NY

Admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 22:48:15 +0000

Wednesday, in an Oneida County courtroom, Bruce Leonard faced heart wrenching questions from District Attorney Scott D. McNamara. Questions surrounding the “counseling session” in which Leonard’s two sons, Lucas and Christopher, were beaten with an electric cord. Lucas did not survive the events which took “hours and hours” to unfold in October of 2015. He was pronounced dead the next morning at the local hospital. Christopher suffered severe injuries including damage to his kidneys and lungs, which required hospitalization.

The session was inside the Word of Life Christian Church in Chadwicks, NY. The nine defendants face various charges including first and second degree assault, murder and gang assault include the parents, Bruce and Deborah Leonard. Deborah pleaded guilty earlier in the year. The half-sister, Sarah Ferguson along with the church pastor, Tiffani Irwin, her mom, two brothers and two other church members have all pleaded not guilty.

Investigators learned the two young boys desired to leave the church. The session was set to address their “sins” which included accusations of witchcraft, pornography, voodoo and sexual molestation of children. No proof of molestation has been found during the investigation.

From our resource article- here

“Did it ever dawn on you that Luke was saying things that night because he didn’t want to be a member of this church anymore?” Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara asked.

Leonard, who testified that he didn’t know who introduced the cord used to whip the teens, said that occurred to him after the session.

“Did you ever think that night Luke was saying certain things because he wanted to hurt you people as you were hurting him physically and the only way he could hurt you was with his tongue?” McNamara asked.

Leonard, who began crying, said he didn’t know.

Later during the hearing:

“Bruce, do you regret what you did that night?” McNamara asked.

Leonard began crying. “You don’t know,” he said.

“I know I don’t, that’s why I’m asking,” McNamara said.

“You don’t know what it is to lose a child,” Leonard said. “You don’t know what it is to have anything at all to do with it, sir.”

McNamara asked Leonard what he would say to Lucas if he could say something to him now. Bruce ultimately said he would tell his son he was sorry.”

After gathering his strength several times, Bruce Leonard pleaded guilty to first and second degree assault. He will be required to testify in the trials of the seven other defendants and could serve at least 15 years. Though, Judge Dwyer did not promise the length of a sentence until after the other trials. Mr. Leonard is set for a September 9th sentencing.

Another defendant, Sarah Ferguson was in court today. She faces assault and murder charges. After her attorney waived her opening statement, the session was postponed one day and will resume Friday at 10:15AM.

Follow the trial on Twitter @OD_Parker for live tweets from the court room.
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At any time, Pastor Tiffanie Irwin could have stopped the beatings…

Admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 13:26:50 +0000

On Wednesday, December 2nd; Deborah Leonard was arraigned in Chadwicks, NY on a plea deal concerning the death of her son Lucas and the severe beating of her other son, Christopher. She entered a guilty plea to first-degree assault in the death of Lucas, for which she will serve five years. She also entered guilty plea to second-degree assault in the beating of Christopher for which she will serve an additional two years. In exchange, she agrees to testify truthfully in any of the trials for the other eight defendants charged with 13 counts including murder, felony assault and gang assault. The list of defendants includes her husband, Bruce Leonard and daughter, Sarah Ferguson, as well as the Pastor of the church, Tiffanie Irwin.

Two very important statements were made by Deborah Leonard which gives great insight into the dynamics inside the Word of Life Christian Church (WOLCC) where the beatings took place. These two statements tell us about the power structure within the group as well as the penalties for breaking the rules or going against the expected behavior norms. The similarities between the church in New York and Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale, NC became more evident after Wednesday.

First, Mrs. Leonard said she was afraid and believed her son’s shift away from the church would get her in trouble with other members of the church, including the Pastor Tiffanie Irwin. Let’s examine this belief since it may seem out of order for those not familiar with groups such as WOLCC or WOFF. Mrs. Leonard said she may get in trouble for her son’s desire to leave. Just exactly what the “trouble” would have been was not made clear in reports on Wednesday. Allow me to explain how this occurs inside of WOFF and I believe the reactions would have been very similar.

From recent accounts conveyed to me, parents who have children who leave WOFF are openly encouraged to cut-off all contact with them and shun them completely. Recent reports coming out of WOFF tell of parents with children who have left – aggressively rebuking other parents who also have children who have left telling them our children have turned their back on God and we don’t talk to them, you must do the same! With Jane’s approval, members gang up on other members to pressure them to conform to the no contact policy. At that point, the victims of the aggression must make a choice; join their children and leave WOFF or stay inside the closed subculture which they may have been members of for many years. I believe this type of aggression and pressure would be similar inside of WOLCC.

The second fact which showed the absolute power of Pastor Irwin, with this statement- “Leonard said it was Irwin, whom she believed was a prophet due to statements Irwin made, who called the counseling session and was in charge of the proceedings.

District Attorney McNamara asked Mrs. Leonard this question,

“At any time if Pastor Tiffanie (Irwin) said stop, would this have stopped?” District Attorney Scott McNamara asked.

“Yes,” Leonard said.” (source Utica Observer Dispatch)

Deborah Leonard tells us what members of WOFF have lived for years. Pastor Tiffanie Irwin of WOLCC and Jane Whaley, leader of WOFF, both employ and enjoy the same absolute power over their members using the same fear-based dynamics to wield such power. Leonard tells the court that Pastor Irwin called the meeting on October 11th and she controlled the content and length of the meeting. In years past, Jane Whaley has called meetings and encounters to deal with straying members and she controlled each meeting either in person or via some form of communication with church leaders carrying out her bidding. It is critical to see the same level of power exists in each group. Yes, this is hard to fathom for those who have never lived through it, but it is real. Any perceived infraction of the intense loyalty required to Jane either by expressing a desire to leave or simply not obeying the “will of God” through her; brings the same level of abuse as has been testified to in accounts of survivors of WOLCC.

After reading the accounts of Deborah Leonard’s day in court, there is NO doubt in my mind that the intense fear-based controls used by Pastor Irwin could lead her members to beat a young man to death. The gang assault charges are fitting for this behavior. Once the young Leonard men were circled in the church sanctuary and their exit from the meeting hindered, their fate was sealed. They were subject to verbal, mental, emotional and physical abuse. Lucas lost his life in the same group which was supposed to love him. Christopher was severely beaten by those who in years past he loved and trusted. The sadness runs deep when considering these truths.

And so it is with some of the survivors of WOFF. Many have suffered verbal, mental, emotional and physical abuse. Who controls the levels of each abusive assault within WOFF? As with Pastor Irwin, so it is with Jane Whaley. Jane has absolute power and at any time, the emotional, verbal and physical beatings could be stopped by her. Selah.

In the Leonard case, each of the now nine defendants are being held with no bail. Several will reappear in court on December 7th. The sad story continues to unfold. The events playing out in New York merit watching for those in North Carolina.

Season of Changes is upon us. Will this be a cold winter in Spindale?

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Pastor among eight defendants indicted in fatal beating

Admin — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 08:58:14 +0000

Gang Assault Indictments Returned in This Case…

News sources out of Utica, NY, earlier this week reported additional indictments were handed down as predicted in the Leonard murder case. Pastor Tiffani Irwin, her mother, Traci, and her two brothers, Joseph and Daniel were leaders in the Word of Life Christian Church of Chadwicks, NY. All were included in the thirteen count indictment handed down Tuesday. Also, included was the father of the victims, Bruce Leonard, the half-sister, Sarah Ferguson and two additional church members- Linda Morey and her son David Morey.

Lucas Leonard died and his brother, Christopher Leonard was severely beaten as a result of a “counseling session” called by the Pastor in response to what authorities are reporting as the desire for the teens to leave the church. In October, Christopher Leonard testified against his half-sister, Sarah Ferguson in court as he described the extended session which lasted through the night and early morning hours of October 11th and 12th. Lucas was transported to St Lukes Hospital in Chadwicks and there declared dead. After extensive searching, authorities discovered Christopher Leonard on the second floor of the church building and transported him to the hospital under protective custody.

News sources differ as to the listed indictments. Reportedly, the recent indictments include: second degree murder, second degree manslaughter, first degree kidnapping, felony first-degree assault and felony first-degree gang assault. (sources Uticaod.com, AP, @OD_Parker)

The mother, Deborah Leonard will be arraigned December 2nd on a separate indictment according to officials. She will face first-degree assault in the death of Lucas and second-degree assault in the beating of Christopher. She is being held with no bail. Linda Morey and David Morey had their $50,000 bail revoked and the Irwins along with Bruce Leonard and Sarah Ferguson were being held with no bail. Daniel Irwin is scheduled to make an appearance in court November 30th; others will appear on December 7th. The judge in the case has issued a gag order. Therefore, additional information about the case will be learned during court sessions.

I have been following this case not only because of the tragic nature, but because of the similarities of the Word of Life Christian Church (WOLCC) environment and Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). The charges of gang assault will be interesting to follow in light of the Matthew Fenner case. As we learn more of the Oneida County’s District Attorney’s strategy to prosecute the gang assault charges, there may be insights gained for the Fenner case. Yes, these cases are in two different states, but the minimum requirements for gang assault charges in North Carolina are vague and may be interpreted as inclusive of the events which were reported by Matthew Fenner from January 27, 2013.

The only update I have in the Fenner case is that the transcripts from the court sessions of August 3rd and August 27th have been produced and are available to the Court. This gives us no indication as to the timing of a ruling on the appeals and petitions filed by Josh Farmer on behalf of the three defendants; Brooke Covington, Justin Covington, Sarah Anderson. The other two defendants are Robert Lewis Walker, Jr and Adam Bartley. We wait. Anything else happening in Spindale?

Season of Changes is upon us. Will this be a cold winter in Spindale?

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Is Your Conscience For Sale? How Would You Know?

Admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:31:55 +0000

Last Monday evening, October 12th, I was privileged to sit among the leadership of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and witness the Honorable Judge Martin Reidinger deliver a presentation on the Nuremberg Trials. As mentioned in a previous post, the irony of the whole night was stark and at times overwhelming. Before the Judge began his delivery, Karel Reynolds opened with a few remarks noting the 15th of October 1945 as the day the Nazi party was dissolved. She mentioned two other statements which I have not been able to forget. She mentioned the results of the Holocaust showed us “…what human beings are capable of…” and that education was not the only answer to stopping such atrocities. Hitler had highly educated scientists and engineers working for him.

As proof of that, in preparation for the prosecution of the defendants at the Nuremberg Trials, each was administered intelligence tests and psychiatric evaluations. (here) Karel quoted Hermann Goering, a leading member of the Nazi party, to say, “I have no conscience. Adolf Hitler is my conscience.” Mr. Goering’s intelligence test score was 138. That score is listed as “gifted.” (2.3% of test takers score this range).

What was Karel’s point? I took it to mean that intelligence will not stop a person from selling or giving away control of their conscience. Karel, was I right?

The irony of the line of reasoning was reflected in her membership in WOFF and what that requires. An outsider, noting the behaviors of WOFF could easily say that faithful members of WOFF have given control of their conscience to Jane Whaley. How do we know? EVERY faithful member will at some point bow and submit their conscience decisioning power to Jane or it will not go well for them. No matter the law degree, the medical training, the CPA title or any level of education or intelligence; faithful members give over the power to decide the course of their lives and daily choices to Jane. Will anyone honestly dispute that fact?

Did any of the leadership sitting around me understand that analogy? I am not sure. However, I understand there is a way to buy back partial control of your conscience inside WOFF. Members can do this either by monetary donations, job creation or prestige transfer. Aside from blood relations, leadership in WOFF can buy back control of their life by giving Jane things she needs, money or jobs- which create money, or prestige. Let me explain.

Jane is not a producer of goods. She depends on donations from her members or fund raising of some sorts to satisfy the huge demand for cash required to maintain and advance her kingdom. Ray or Josh or Kent or David or whoever in essence buys back control of their life by supplying cash or jobs. These folks are the producers of goods and services which bring in the money. For Jane, there is another way to buy freedom to make some of your own choices- transfer prestige through close association. Oddly, I think some of the notoriety from Leigh Valentine transfers to Jane and thus Leigh is allowed to carry on regardless of breaking the rules others must follow. Jane also absorbs prestige from rich Jewish people who have supported the Holocaust show in years past. This allows them to come close at times and yet live their own lives. The same could be said about politicians. Jane soaks in their aura and in turn does not recruit them to her subculture. They are free to bask in her “glory” without giving her their conscience.

John, why bring this up? Doesn’t everyone see this anyway? No, I don’t believe the ones inside WOFF from the leadership on down have an understanding how similar they are to Hermann Goering. Goering witnessed the depravity that human beings are able to inflict on their fellow humans. His excuse was he had surrendered his conscience to his leader. Goering was sentenced to hang, but committed suicide instead. Though not to the same degree, I contend that the leadership of WOFF have seen far more than outsiders consider “normal discipline” or “punishment for sin.”

If Gerald and Linda don’t understand this, I doubt if the regular members do either. The process of surrendering your conscience is much easier than taking it back. The suction power of Jane’s high demand authority style results in losing control of your life all the while believing you are living for God and doing the will of God. That is the con Jane runs. She requires supreme, conscience-surrendering loyalty and gives back the charade of holy righteous living, fulfilling the call of God, to the Nations or whatever phrase of the week she is pushing. You can only gain back partial control of your life by supplying what she knows she can’t provide for herself. Ultimately, she still has control of every faithful member until they break free from the vortex and run away.

Why is this understanding so vital right now? Have you heard the reports out of New Hartford, NY? Bruce Leonard and Deborah Leonard, members of Word of Life Christian Church, are charged with manslaughter in the death of their 19 year old son, Lucas. From the witness reports, they were also involved in the beating of their 17 year old son, Christopher who is recovering in the hospital and “cooperating with authorities.” Four other church members are charged with second degree assault. The charges originate from the “counseling session” which began Sunday evening and ended Monday morning about 10:00AM. This is when the ones involved in the beatings realized Lucas was unresponsive. After CPR failed, they transported him by one of their vehicles to the St. Luke’s Hospital.

Differing reports have surfaced as to the purpose of the meeting. One report says Lucas was accused of practicing witchcraft. Another report says he wanted to leave the Church. Witnesses also say the counseling session was arranged by the pastor, Tiffani Irwin. Former members have said the leadership techniques were “tyrannical” and “confrontational.” Is it possible that faithful members were required to give over their conscience decisioning power to the leader(s)? Is this how a father and mother could mercilessly for hours on end beat their sons?

Chief of Police Inserra commenting on the investigation, “Devoted to spiritual leader Traci Irwin and pastor Tiffanie Irwin, members often “wait to be told what to do,” (here) Could the members waiting to be told what to do be because they are afraid of being wrong? What are the consequences for making the wrong decision inside Word of Life Church? That is a fair question, right?

It is not yet clear how many participated, but the dynamics of a mob, hell-bent on cleansing the defiant one leading to a homicide, seems plausible to me. The reports that previous sessions did not include violence make no sense to me. A father does not suddenly accept in his own mind that using fists and feet and a belt or cord, unless he is led to that belief over time. I could be wrong here, but it makes more sense that the group morphed into sessions of severe physical abuse. A group of people who are able to process the individual internal conflicts arising from administering severe physical punishment without stopping it leads me to believe this has happened before and under the direction of a central leader. This leader required supreme, conscience surrendering loyalty and that occurs over time. Will authorities bring in the two leaders for questioning? I believe after statements from Christopher Leonard are processed, it only makes sense to question the church leaders.

Can what happened at Word of Life Church in NY happen in WOFF? All I can say is that the foundation is present for WOFF members to give over their conscience to a strong leader. Once that dynamic is in place, the results are highly unpredictable. I believe many in leadership have already done things that a few years ago, they never thought they would participate in. Where and when will this continuum to disaster end?

Hue Fortson Jr., Peoples Temple Member: “Being in an environment where you’re constantly up, you’re constantly busy, and you’re made to feel guilty if you take too many luxuries like sleeping — you tend to not really think for yourself. And I did allow Jones to think for me because I figured that he had the better plan. I gave my rights up to him. As many others did.”

Season of Changes is upon us. Will this be a cold winter in Spindale?

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Events Unfolding in NY – Many Questions (Video and Links)

Admin — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 10:06:03 +0000

Over the last few days, I have been contacted by several folks asking if I was aware of the events in New York. Truly, this has been a sad week for many as the details surrounding the death of Lucas Leonard become known. This young man wanted to leave his association with Word of Life Church. As a result, he was beaten to death with “fists and feet” and a belt or cord. He died Monday, October 12th at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Investigators soon learned about his brother, Christopher. A search of the church building located this young man and he was transported to the hospital with extensive injuries apparently suffered during the same session in which his brother was killed.

Since learning of the events, my heart has been heavy and ached at times as the details come out in press conferences and court hearings. Wednesday, I watched the stream of the press conference. Friday, on wktv.com, the felony hearings were carried live. The judge set limits of no audio or video during the witness testimony. At least two reporters were in court tweeting the happenings inside the court. One reporter, Micaela Parker has posted her tweets here in this article. Before viewing the string, be warned the descriptions in many places are word for word and describe the events surrounding the beating death of Lucas Leonard.

I was only able to listen/watch for about an hour. The hearing last almost three hours. Linda and David Morey were given a 60 day adjournment and required to be back in court on December 15th. They posted bail and left the court. Joseph Irwin and Sarah Ferguson, sister to the deceased, appeared at the same time before the judge in orange jump suits and chains. Each attorney for these defendants asked for a reduced bail citing different reasons. The District Attorney did not agree and requested the bail remain at $50,000 for each saying there may be additional charges filed. The judge agreed and left the bail as it was. Those two were returned to the jail. The look on Sarah’s face continues to reflect anguish.

Bruce and Deborah Leonard were led into the court also in orange. Bruce Leonard was clean shaven displaying a solemn expression. Deborah Leonard’s long hair covered much of her face and as the session proceeded, she continued to stare at the floor. Her crying could be heard by some and was noted.

The camera and audio were stopped at this point.

Daniel Irwin (brother to Joseph Irwin who is charged in the assault) took the stand. His testimony was noted by Ms. Parker in her stream of tweets. Just before 2:00PM, Irwin tells of the panic which over took church members once they realized Lucas was dead. The “counseling session” stopped at 10:00AM (on Monday), Lucas was dead. Three members tried to revive him with CPR. Irwin said his “vision was tunneling.” Though two others started to help, he moved the body himself, to the car. Bruce said to take Lucas to the hospital. Irwin goes on to describe who went to the hospital and that “it dawned on us” (Lucas had died)

Friends, as I read this account, my heart ached. It has been learned; Lucas wanted to leave the church. He was being beaten for his desire to leave. Originally, church members insinuated he was in the counseling session for sexually violating or touching children. The authorities interviewed the children and ruled this out. Next, the idea was floated by Daniel Irwin was that Lucas had been practicing “witchcraft” and said he wanted to make voodoo dolls of the leaders. That accusation has not been substantiated by authorities from what I have read. I believe we need to hear from Christoper, the brother, before we are taken with the “witchcraft” accusation. What does this sound like? Anyone else know of similar tactics used by any other groups? What next?

From here, I will list some of the better resources I have come across while reading.

Rick Ross comments on Word of Life Church

Neighbors describe Word of Life Church from the outside.

Ex-member tells what he experienced- leader was “tyrannical.”

Is Word of Life Church a “cult?”

Vigil Planned on Tuesday for Lucas and Christopher Leonard.

Season of Changes is upon us. Will this be a cold winter in Spindale?

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.

Word of Life Church (NY) Brings Death to Teen

Admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 07:30:58 +0000

So many thoughts racing through my head after a day spent reading and listening to reports from WKTV Channel 2 out of New York. The thoughts and feelings have washed as waves in and out of my mind. One minute, I read the reports and the next; I experience memories of my time in Word of Life – Greenville and Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) in Spindale. More emotional and painful are the memories of Michael Lowry’s first interview in November of 2011 in a Chinese restaurant in Forest City. Listening to details of the attack in New York ignited the memories of his account of life in the lower building at WOFF. He was put out of WOFF, recaptured and escaped a second time. For Lucas Leonard of Word of Life Church in Chadwicks, NY- there was no escape. His life ended as the result of blunt force trauma which officials acknowledge included “fists and feet…” during a “counseling session” where the teens were supposed to confess sin and ask forgiveness.

This afternoon, I watched the live stream of the news conference given by the local sheriff. When taking questions from reporters, you could sense he was overwhelmed as if facing the darkest storm with only a flashlight. He proceeded with caution and at the end allowed the District Attorney to finish providing further details of the State’s plans for another hearing on Friday where more may become known surrounding the events which left one dead and another in the hospital in “serious condition.”

A brief recap of what has been reported. Monday, Lucas Leonard, 19, was driven to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Hartford, NY to investigate reports of a victim with a gunshot wound. Those reports were “unfounded.” Lucas Leonard died at the hospital from blunt force trauma. Investigators learned of a second victim, Lucas’s brother, Christopher (17). He was located after an extensive search and transported to the hospital in serious condition. He also suffered from blunt force trauma.

From the WKTV.com website:

“As the investigation progressed, it was determined that the “Word of Life Church” was the scene of crime and a search warrant was secured for that location. The New York State Police SORT (Special Operations Response Team), The METRO SWAT Team (Utica/New Hartford), along with members of the Rome Police Department SWAT Team, secured the church grounds and eventually made a tactical entry into the church building without incident. Members of the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Unit and New Hartford Police Evidence Technicians then processed the crime scene.
Several church members were interviewed throughout the day and night, and several children were secured from the church and turned over to Oneida County Child Protective Services.”

Six members of the church have been charged as follows:

Charges:
As a result of this investigation, the following church members were arrested and charged with the indicated crimes:
Bruce Leonard, 65, of Clayville: Manslaughter in the First Degree
Deborah Leonard, 59, of Clayville: Manslaughter in the First Degree
Joseph Irwin, 26, of Chadwicks: Assault in the in the Second Degree
David Morey, 26, of Utica: Assault in the in the Second Degree
Linda Morey, 54, of Utica: Assault in the in the Second Degree
Sarah Ferguson, 33, of Clayville: Assault in the in the Second Degree

Sarah Ferguson is the sister of the deceased, Lucas Leonard. Bail was set Tuesday at the arraignment for $100,000 each for the parents and $50,000 each for the other four charged in the incident which began Sunday evening at the church. Each defendant entered a not guilty plea. Officials declined to comment on whether the church was a “cult.”

Other reports quote a former member denying the group was a cult, based on their teachings. If the term “cult” is a sticking point for some, can we agree the group is reclusive and for certain dangerous? There was a homicide committed on church grounds. The church is a crime scene. I don’t think “teachings based on the Bible” is a good defense here, do you?

My thoughts remain heavy for the children from this church which were put in the custody of social services. Officials need to find out more about the language used in the side the group. The “sins” the young men were to confess may be defined differently inside the group than outside. Asking “forgiveness” could entail more than words – inside that group. The group’s language is key here.

What does a “counseling” session consist of? Was physical contact normally allowed and if so, how was it regulated and who decided the boundaries of the contact? Were there any recordings of sermons or of this counseling session? Did the children feel “safe” while inside the church compound? Were the children subject to the same type of “counseling’ and physical contact? The children need to be ex-rayed for any internal damages to the spine or limbs. Pediatric psychologists, with knowledge of closed subcultures, need to interview the children to determine what practices may have harmed them. Ask the children to demonstrate the practices in question. How did the adult act toward them? This is not about religion, this is about safety.

Facts to note- the husband and wife have different attorneys! All six defendants charged with crimes from the same incident may end up with different attorneys-why? This allows each to freely report what they saw and heard without fear of compromise of their own position. None of them has posted bond as far as I can tell. Other interesting tidbits- as in this case, there is a St. Luke’s Hospital in Tryon, NC near Word of Faith Fellowship. Neighbors in NY describe the members as reclusive and only interactions were at yard sales of flea markets outside the church grounds. Loud noises have been reported at night times coming from the church. The children of the church were not allowed to interact with children outside the group. Apparently, the children were home-schooled, though Bruce Leonard worked in the local public school system since 2007. Former members tell of being threatened if they were to leave the group- a reporter close to the situation conveyed to me.

For now, the law enforcement officials have their hands full with understanding the nuances of a closed subculture and examining the practices to determine what crimes were committed and who was/is responsible. I believe with near certainty, additional charges will be filed and more defendants named. It will take longer to process the information gained from the children of the group. This investigation needs to be thorough and complete.

If the session Friday is available on stream, I hope to watch it. There are so many heartbreaking pieces to this story.

CNN link-
from www.abc-7.com

Season of Changes is upon us. Will this be a cold winter in Spindale?

Follow this blog on Twitter- @religiouscults and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnhuddleauthor

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.